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Table 26 is the place to sit
THIS delightful restaurant occupies the prominent corner of Circus and High Roads.
It therefore enjoys a good view of what is going on in this busy area of St John’s Wood.
Its large bay windows overlook the outdoor patio which sits up to 80 people.
Indoors although there is sitting for only 50 guests it seems deceptively large because of the well-positioned wall-to-wall mirrors.
From table 26 you get a fabulous view of both in and outdoors.
It is a busy place buzzing with regulars who look happy and are recognised by the staff.
The tables are dressed in white with satin ribbons of different colours placed on the napkins: just to add colour and a special touch, although they could be tied as napkins rings.
The food is Turkish in origin but with influence from Lebanon.
As soon as you sit down, warm bread, large green olives with lots of oil and a dish of Humus (puree of chick peas) are brought to your table.
The promise that appears on the menu – “I will bring your food and drink on time – Your waiter” – is obviously honoured. Now on their 25th year Sofra has two special menus which we ordered for lunch (£8.95 and £12.95).
The cream of lentils was substantial and reddish in colour and the mixed meze comprised of a selection of six cold appetizers: stuffed vine leaf, Kisir (mixed nuts and vegetable salad), Tabbouleh (parsley and mint salad), Kofte (minced lamb patties), Hellim (Cyprus cheese) and Patlican Kizartma (aubergine and peppers with tomato sauce).
We then had the salmon stew which was a tender piece of poached salmon on a bed of mashed potatoes and the mixed grill: three small medallions of minced lamb, chicken and beef served with rice.
On another occasion taken there for dinner by my friend Adele, one of Sofra’s regulars, we chose from the a la carte menu.
Fresh globe artichoke (£5.75) and Borek Platter (potato and mince, spinach and feta, chicken and leek filo pastry parcels £3.75) followed by the Lamb Kulbasti (lamb fillets with oregano £13.95) and the sea bass grilled fillets (£15.95).
From the large dessert menu (£3.95 each) with delicious entries we chose Sutlac (rose water flavoured creamy rice pudding, and Ottoman Kadayif (shredded pastry with cream filling, pistachio and syrup).
The house wines Yakut and Cankaya at £3.50 per glass are recommended.
Sofra also offers a ‘Healthy Meal’ menu consisting of 13 different hot and cold mezes that are high in nutrients and can easily be adapted for vegetarians (Lunch £12.95 and dinner £15.95 per person).
Sofra
Circus Road, NW8
020 7586 9889 |
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